CVE-2024-5911 in PAN-OS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Panorama software enables an authenticated read-write administrator with access to the web interface to disrupt system processes and crash the Panorama. Repeated attacks eventually cause the Panorama to enter maintenance mode, which requires manual intervention to bring the Panorama back online.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-5911 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within Palo Alto Networks Panorama software that fundamentally compromises system integrity and availability. This weakness exists in the web interface authentication layer where an attacker with read-write administrator privileges can exploit the system's file handling mechanisms to upload malicious files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type restrictions during the upload process, allowing unauthorized file placement within the system's filesystem. Such a flaw directly aligns with CWE-434 which categorizes insecure file upload vulnerabilities as a significant risk to application security. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since only authenticated administrator access is necessary, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or where privilege escalation occurs through other means.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to disrupt critical system processes and cause complete system crashes of the Panorama appliance. When malicious files are successfully uploaded, they can interfere with the normal operation of the Panorama service, leading to service disruption and potential denial of service conditions. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as repeated exploitation attempts can force the system into maintenance mode, requiring manual intervention to restore normal operations. This progressive degradation of system functionality demonstrates the severity of the vulnerability and its potential for sustained disruption. The system's inability to recover automatically from repeated attacks indicates a fundamental flaw in the software's resilience and error handling mechanisms, creating a persistent threat that can be leveraged for extended periods.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5911 poses significant risks to network security infrastructure management and business continuity. Organizations relying on Panorama for centralized security policy management face potential exposure to complete service outages when this vulnerability is exploited. The requirement for manual intervention to restore system functionality creates operational bottlenecks and increases the mean time to recovery for security incidents. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network disruption attacks. The attack can be executed through standard web interface interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal specialized tools while maintaining persistence through repeated exploitation attempts. Network security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability on their overall security posture and incident response capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5911 should focus on immediate patch management and enhanced monitoring of file upload operations within the Panorama interface. Organizations must prioritize applying the vendor-provided security updates as soon as they become available to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit administrative access to the Panorama web interface, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file upload patterns and unauthorized administrative activities within the web interface. The implementation of web application firewalls and content filtering mechanisms can help prevent malicious file uploads by enforcing stricter validation rules and content inspection. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation pathways and ensure that the implemented controls remain effective against evolving attack techniques. Organizations should also develop incident response procedures specifically addressing this vulnerability to minimize downtime and ensure rapid recovery from potential exploitation attempts.